With teeth clenched, I reluctantly forced myself to go clothing shopping over the weekend, and this is what I felt like ... I am well aware that 'shopping' out here, where there aren't a lot of shoppers, is a challenge, and 'we' are probably last on the list for where the suppliers want to park their line of clothing but ... I am not this size, but from the clothing I tried on, I felt like it.
I'm not asking for much - a few nice pair of slacks and a few blouses. Why are all the slacks made with Lycra??? blackkkgkgkh!, it feels awful! And why are all the blouses see-through polyester with fringes, ruffles, and flouncy sashes. While polyester has it's place, I don't want it, and Lycra feels awful, and polyester never washes with a nice freshness. And why are the racks full of sleeveless little spaghetti strap tops, in the Women's area, where many of us suffer from 'bat wings?' I gave up early. Doesn't anyone know about quality cotton t-shirts any more?
I started my diet after walking out of the dressing room, hands empty. 15 lbs. have GOT to go away!
Even the quilt shop jaunt afterwards, did not lift my spirits.
On a positive note - the store DID have 2 slightly rounded mannequins, probably all of a "huge" size 12, -- gotta tell ya, whoever dressed them had no idea of how to dress a size 12 in anything flattering.
That's my gripe for today. I'm going upstairs to find some carrots.
It's a fair gripe! I hate clothing shopping.
ReplyDeleteNow *this* hit a nerve. I just finished doing the very same thing. There is really nothing out in the stores for a mature woman. I have resorted to shopping the men's departments because I can find 100% cotton or linen. I hate lycra in my pants. I have gotten burned through my pant legs from the sun shining through a car window because of the lycra in the content. Argh!
ReplyDeleteHope tomorrow brings you a better day. Shopping can really be a challenge- especially to find the things that one feels comfortable in..Hope your next search is more satisfying..
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Anna
Standing right next to you on this one. I finally gave up looking. I went home, took a well-fitting but old blouse that had holes and stains, ripped all the seams out and made a pattern from it.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you all the way on this. A lot of the blouses look like the maternity tops I wore over 40 years ago. The rest are 'stretch to fit' lycra. Where are the designers for us? We are a big percentage of the population yet they only target the young things. Even if I lost 15 lbs. or more I wouldn't wear those styles.
ReplyDeleteHey Elaine, I understand completely. Try http://www.bonworth.com/. Look for their cotton knit slacks and buy a size large for a 12 and an extra large for a bit bigger. The slacks are no longer cut and sewn at one place so slacks can very when you try them on. They have nice basic solid color cotton short sleeve shirts for around $10.00. You can also call one of the outlets and let them know what you're looking for. This is the only place I buy clothes as I can get exactly what I need at a fair price. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteI agree!!! I am so tired of seeing the non skinny women wearing these tight, tight shirts that look so bad. Need I say "muffin top". Longer and more generous cut is much more flattering to all sizes.
ReplyDeleteSigh, sounds like most of us know the same battle. I watched "What Not to Wear" until they had someone my shape (long, skinny legs, short waist, too much boob and tummy) and took notes. That really helped. Finding 2-3 stores that carry lines that I can wear helps too, but one of them requires a plane ticket. Another sigh. In Canada, Mark's Work Warehouse has amazingly good cotton T's and blouses that fit women who are not flat. My sympathies, Elaine. I want to lose 15 lbs too, but such a war this is!
ReplyDeleteOh boy, I hear ya Sistah! I'm working on taking off some excess baggage too, but I need to lose more than 15#!
ReplyDeleteI keep thinking one of these days, the airlines are going to star charging by the pound to fly!
I have found if you shop in more expensive stores like Cold Water Creek, or Norstroms you can fins classy clothes that fit, but you really pay for them.
I avoid clothes shopping as much as I can, but my DH likes to order clothes for me from nice catalogs. I am a very lucky duck!
I am in that boat with you. I just had to purchase something to wear to a wedding and I can understand the picture because I am there. I don't understand the new fashions and the thread bear clothing at expensive prices. What has happened to decent clothing?
ReplyDeleteI frequently find myself in the clothing racks saying, "In what country is this a size large?" and now I know: Mannequinville!
ReplyDeleteBe careful with your wish for cotton t-shirts...they make them so thin and filmy now that it's a requirement that you buy two...or three for adequete coverage....
ReplyDeleteI'm with you.....don't like cloth shopping.
ReplyDeleteI usually buy my clothes at the thrift shop. It's surprising what I find there by going regularly. We do have a couple of good ones though so maybe I'm just lucky. The only other way is to make your own. That way you get quality and fit but it cuts into quilting time.
ReplyDeleteI buy by mail order - Lands' End are great! (No affiliation, just a happy long-time customer.)
ReplyDeleteAnother problem is the low cut necklines - especially for short people like me. I'm 5'2" & the neckline might be ok on a taller person, but I do not like any cleavage showing! I don't like the pants either. I also have better luck at a thrift shop.
ReplyDeleteClothes today are made to "let it all hang out" My trouble is, even when I was a cute skinny chickie I didn't like to let it all hang out. I think it has to do with modesty...or lack thereof.
ReplyDeleteI've often thought that there's a market niche waiting to be pounced: 50+ women who still want to be chic and wear natural fibers.
ReplyDeleteOn the way home tonight, i was thinking of making myself a simple, hopefully slimming little silk top, like one i had years ago.
Mainly, though, i'm with ya on the resolve to get back in better shape. It's crept up on me over the last decade, and then there was the sudden addition of 15 lbs from i don't know where just in the last year. Yikes! Whince-worthy summer holiday photos are what have motivated me.
I hate to say it, but this blog made me laugh! I hate to shop for clothes anymore. Told my hubby that that I refuse to buy good clothes for this fat body...(so comes in the goodwill/salvation army...) ^_^
ReplyDeleteWhat is out there for the modest dresser? Besides, being 4'8 something, and having steroid weight on me.....I can feel for you sister!
Good thing you only have 15lbs to lose! Let me know how the carrots tasted. ):
I think you struck a nerve! I am with you. I end up buying most of my clothes from catalogs, although I sometimes wander through thrift shops and find a bargain here and there. I don't wear synthetic fibers, either.
ReplyDeleteROFL I couldn't agree with you more, Elaine!! I abhore the things on the racks that 'they' think we all will be wearing. NUH HUN no way no where!! ROFL
ReplyDeleteSo many of us feel the same way! Oddly enough I found some nice cotton short sleeve shirts at KMart - really! And there are some nice ones at Coldwater Creek but they are way more pricey than KMart for sure. And the Allison Daly brand at Dillards is a mid price line that has cotton shirts and slacks that seem to fit me - I need elastic somewhere on that waist band! blessings, marlene
ReplyDeleteI also buy men's shirts and adjust them to fit me.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of wearing those clingy see-through clothes set my teeth on edge. But what really scares me is seeing some rotund women wearing those items! Cannot they see?
Subee
who needs to lose 15 too!
I don't enjoy shopping for clothing either...I have better luck at the thrift shop, where I can find lots of things for not so much $ and frustration! I totally agree...I don't like to see so much of my skin!
ReplyDeleteWhy don't more manufacturers make clothing for women who are no longer in their teens? I dislike clothing shopping with a passion, as well as shoe shopping. Better add in car shopping as well!
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain! I live in Lincoln, and this past spring spent hours, and visited 5 stores in the mall looking for a slightly dressy outfit to wear to a high school reunion. Everything is geared toward the 20-somethings, and the size 6's. So frustrating! Luckily, for the casual clothes, and the mature woman, a Schweisers recently opened up here, and I plan to give them plenty of business. I also like Dillard's clothes and Land's End does have nice cotton T-shirts.
ReplyDeleteAlong with the polyester stuff, everything looks like the '60's and '70's hippy look. I'm glad I can sew - I've made a few simple cotton blouses out of fabrics in my quilting stash, too and I hope my favorite patterns don't fall apart from use - use the same few over and over.
Don't know if anyone has suggested it - but Eddie Bauer has some really nice cotton t-shirts. They launder well, hold their shape and aren't skin tight. I
ReplyDeleteI was just getting myself ready to go shopping. But you made me remember how awful it is.
ReplyDeleteYuck -- Lycra in pants and polyester shirts.
I just want some jeans that fit and a couple of cotton t-shirts. I don't know if I can face an expedition to the stores.